Panthers' Bryce Young dishes on fourth play-caller in four NFL seasons

TL;DR

Bryce Young, the Carolina Panthers quarterback, has experienced four different play-callers in his four NFL seasons. He ranked first in passing grade and big-time throw rate on 20-plus yard throws last season.

Key points

Bryce Young has had four different play-callers in four NFL seasons.
He ranked first in passing grade and big-time throw rate last season.
Young faced significant challenges as a rookie, including 62 sacks.

Mentioned in this story

Bryce YoungFrank ReichThomas BrownDave Canales

Carolina Panthers

Panthers' Bryce Young dishes on fourth play-caller in four NFL seasons originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has heard a lot of NFL voices in his head.

As an overwhelmed rookie, Young initially listened to former coach Frank Reich and offensive coordinator/interim coach Thomas Brown. Both served as playcallers during an uncomfortable 2-15 campaign. lowlighted by Young absorbing 62 sacks in 16 starts.

The past two seasons, coach Dave Canales called the plays, initially focusing on establishing the run through a short, quick passing attack. Last season, though, Young proved he could effectively throw the ball downfield and the second-year coach started deploying receiving routes outside the hash marks.

On 20-plus yard throws, Young ranked first in passing grade (99.7 percent) and big-time throw rate (38.9 percent), according to PFF.

Entering 2026, Young remains secure with a fifth season and the prospect of long-term contract extensions, likely in the $50 million-per-year range.

Panthers' Bryce Young listening to OC Brad Idzik

With the 2026 NFL Draft set to kick off Thursday in Pittsburgh, Young, who lobbied for Panthers GM Dan Morgan to draft rookie of the year Tetairoa McMillan No. 8 overall last April, remains optimistic he can build off last season's second half.

Q&A

Who are the play-callers Bryce Young has worked with in the NFL?

Bryce Young has worked with former coach Frank Reich, offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, and coach Dave Canales during his NFL career.

What were Bryce Young's statistics on 20-plus yard throws last season?

Last season, Bryce Young ranked first in passing grade at 99.7 percent and had a big-time throw rate of 38.9 percent on 20-plus yard throws.

How did Bryce Young perform in his rookie season with the Panthers?

In his rookie season, Bryce Young faced challenges, including absorbing 62 sacks in 16 starts, contributing to the Panthers' 2-15 record.